VCHS Infection Control Nurse Kate Morse Receives Bright Idea Award

Kate Morse, RN, BSN, CIC, was recently awarded the “Bright Idea” award by the Greater Omaha APIC Chapter at their semi-annual meeting.  APIC is the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, an organization that promotes wellness and prevents illness and infection through education, research, practice and credentialing. The Greater Omaha Chapter works in collaboration with Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to prevent and eliminate Healthcare-acquired infections throughout Nebraska.

APIC members were encouraged to submit a “Bright Idea” they have for preventing infections. Kate was one of 5 chosen for the award. 

Kate submitted an idea to prevent employees from becoming infected with Hepatitis B. Her idea was to place a hidden indicator on the employee’s name tag showing if the employee has been successfully immunized against Hepatitis B. Then if that employee experiences an exposure to Hepatitis B, it is known immediately if preventative treatment is needed. There is no delay in treatment while waiting for lab tests that may take 2 – 4 days. Also, there is no unnecessary treatment if the employee is already immune.

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